Savory Recipes | 30
The first of Chef John Moeller’s creations served to Presidents

Real Estate | 32

What buyers consider when choosing a home

Marketplace | 33

Great new products and designer accessories for your home

Your Home Magazine | 3

4 | Your Home Magazine

Bayside
Luxury
Hugging Sarasota Bay in Florida, this stunning
five bedroom, seven bath, 6,000 square foot home
epitomizes coastal living. Designed by Sarasota
architect Clifford M. Scholz and built by luxury
custom homebuilder Blue Water Construction, it
proudly takes its place among an eclectic blend of
older and newer homes in one of Sarasotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most
coveted neighborhoods. Sandwiched between the bay
and a bustling retail and restaurant district, Harbor
Acres is prized for both its quaint neighborhood
ambiance and elegant waterfront opulence.
Spacious room for entertaining and fabulous
views all around give this Harbor Acres home a
spectacular feel. Out of doors, the home features
the convenience of a private boat dock, custom
designed pool with a tanning deck and myriad
seating areas from which to enjoy the radiant glow
of the sunset over the bay. Indoors, luxury and
convenience combine to take guests to new heights,
including the private elevator.

Rising three stories high, the turret is the focal point
of the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exterior. Neutral wall color allows
the extensive stonework to capture your attention,
drawing your gaze up the curving entry stairway.
Arches figure prominently in the design. The arched
mullioned windows are accented by split-arched
shutters. Natural stone arches frame the garage doors.
Arches welcome you to the front entryway where you
are greeted by arched front doors.
Your Home Magazine | 5

Tucked into finely detailed custom cabinetry, high-end appliances like the Wolf
range and double ovens are right at home in the kitchen. Oversized windows
fronting the bay illuminate the space naturally, while pendant lights cast a
warm glow over the large stone island in Sweet Grass finish.
6 | Your Home Magazine

While guests will undoubtedly enjoy a crackling fire in the gas Marseilles fireplace by Firerock or a movie on the wall-mounted
flat screen TV at one end of the spacious living room, it is the wide-open view of Sarasota Bay that will entrance them.
Wood floors throughout of engineered hardwood oak in natural finish by Armstrong give this room a vibrant and lively feel.

The wine tasting room features granite counter tops, custom made wine cabinetry and a display cove. The
alcove features a custom-painted tromp lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeil of elaborate corkscrews decorating a stone wall. A cylindrical
chandelier by BK Lighting adds a warm glow to the room.

Your Home Magazine | 7

This wrought iron railing, with scrolling design, gives a light
and airy feel to the circular stairway leading from the lower to
upper levels of the home. Risers of mosaic tile and stair treads
of marble create a smooth, natural look.

8 | Your Home Magazine

A tray ceiling and a nine-tiered
mirrored chandelier by Myran
Allan add to the spacious feel of
the master bedroom. A private
balcony offers spectacular views
of Sarasota Bay from the comfort of Brown Jordan all-weather furniture. The gas fireplace
and sitting area provide a cozy
spot if the coastal breeze proves
a bit chilly.

The master bedroom suite opens
to an outside deck with a captivating view of the bay. The
private sunning space can also
be accessed through the master
bathroom, where an outdoor
shower provides the ultimate
convenience for rinsing off before
stepping back into the home.
Brown Jordan outdoor furniture
weathers the elements in style.

Decorated in soothing shades
of blue, the master bath is resplendent with a free standing
Victoria and Albert slipper tub,
a warm bronze chandelier and
granite countertops.
Your Home Magazine | 9

The free form pool hugs the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge. A tanning deck at
one end provides a luxurious option for lounging while the
built-in spa on the other end offers relaxation. Lounge chairs
by Brown Jordan are impervious to the water.

Built in benches and side
tables encircle a Campfyre
fire pit by Firerock on the
third floor rotunda. Mosaic tile encases the fire
pit, and a marble lip tops
it. Travertine tile laid in
a French pattern visually expands the circle. A
tongue and groove ceiling
gives warmth to the space.
Directional spots augment the recessed lighting.
10 | Your Home Magazine

For information on luxury
custom homes contact the
real estate professional that
sent you this magazine.

ome home improvements are simply worth a larger
investment to achieve outstanding results. The extra
investment ensures optimum returns in value, beauty and
livability. Indoors, kitchens and baths rate that extra attention.
Outdoors, decks, patios and lanais are the pinnacle of great
home improvements.

to dress up a deck’s appearance. While some alternative railing
types, such as glass or metal, come with their own set of issues,
cable railing stands apart for its beauty, versatility and durability.
Cable railing provides safety and refined appearance without
obstructing the view off your deck.

Courtesy of The Brandpoint

Kitchen or bath improvements must mesh with the quality
and decor of the rest of a home’s interior. When it comes to
outdoor living areas, however, it is perfectly OK to have the
ultimate deck or patio - even if you do not have the ultimate
home. If you are planning to create your own decadent deck,
perfect patio, or luxurious lanai this year, keep in mind these
must-have upgrades if you want over-the-top luxury in your
outdoor environment:
Cable railings
Upgrading your deck’s railing from traditional wood to something
beautiful and exotic is one of the easiest, most impactful ways
Your Home Magazine | 11

Hot tub
For outdoor living, a hot tub is the perfect provider of luxury and
relaxation. From intimately sized spas that seat just two people
to grand hot tubs that can host a half dozen people or more, you
have plenty of options when choosing a hot tub. While built-in
hot tubs impart a refined, luxurious look to an outdoor living
area, portable models can go with you when you move.

Courtesy of www.moyuc.com

12 | Your Home Magazine

Built-in fire pit
While a plethora of portable fire pits are commercially
available for adding warmth and ambiance with a balance of
safety, nothing beats a built-in fire pit. Whether you crave the
atmosphere and authenticity of a wood-burning feature, or
the convenience of gas, when you opt for a built-in fire pit the
element becomes a fluidly integral part of the outdoor design.

Courtesy of www.virginialeisure.com
Courtesy of www.moyuc.com

Outdoor kitchens
Grills and decks go together like cookies and cream, but to
take your outdoor cooking to the next level, set aside an area
on your deck for an outdoor kitchen. These kitchens not only
incorporate cooking facilities such as gas or charcoal grills,
burners and even pizza ovens, they sport wet bars, sinks and
prep areas. Virtually any amenity you would find in a top-quality
kitchen can be included in an outdoor cooking area. Your
outdoor kitchen is not only a showcase of luxury; it can be the
focal point of outdoor entertaining.
Whether your home is modest or majestic, your deck, patio
or lanai can be a showcase of style, luxury and fun - and an
investment that pays off in increased value and enjoyment.
Written by Ginny Cooper
Your Home Magazine | 13

egardless of definition, when seeking to describe the
architecture, design and culture of the Mid-Century
Modernist movement, one word predominates â&#x20AC;&#x201C; simple.
The homes - built from 1945 to the 1980s â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are characterized
by flat planes, large glass windows and open space. They tend
to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding environment,
encouraging residents to explore the world just outside their
doors.
Roof planes tend to be simple shed roofs, which afford plenty of
daylight and can command extraordinary views from the high side.
The low profile on the opposite side maintains the privacy and
low horizontal proportions. Well-designed eaves are calibrated to
keep the interiors shaded during the summer months but allow
direct sunlight into the home during chilly winters. The passive
design is smart, cost-effective, sensible and sustainable. Extended
rooflines help to define the outdoor space, creating a sense of
place.

14 | Your Home Magazine

From a solid and private entryway, the interior of the MidCentury Modern (MCM) home becomes increasingly transparent
until you reach the main living area where the interior opens up to
the view and the landscaping. Ideally, in these one-story homes,
most of the rooms have access to the outdoors at ground level.
At the very least the kitchen, den and/or living rooms and master
bedroom all open to an outdoor patio.
The bedrooms in the typical MCM home are small, efficient
and pleasant. Sitting and lounging areas are not necessary; the
common living areas are designed for that. The result encourages
families to spend more time together and in greater appreciation

Above: The inverted roof planes of this MCM home in Twin Palms,
California, stand like eyebrows above the walled entry. Protective film
on the floor to ceiling windows reflects the heat of the bright desert sun
while letting the natural light bathe the interior.

for the outside world just beyond their doors, not secluded in
their own bedrooms with artificial entertainment.
One of the best ways to maintain privacy in a home’s design,
without jeopardizing the quality of the spaces inside, is by using
architectural elements that do not touch the ceiling, a hallmark
of MCM design. Screens, cabinets, half-walls or panels that
frame views and conceal other areas are some examples of these
elements. Etch-matte glass panels do double duty, providing

privacy, yet allowing diffused light into the room. The same
concept can be used outdoors, to great effect. A strategically
placed privacy screen can eliminate the temptation to enclose the
entire yard with a privacy fence.
Whether you are interested in living in a restored MCM home,
incorporating some of the design principles prevalent during that
time into your own home, or even just decorating with an MCM
flair, the key is to keep it simple and sustainable.

Courtesy of ajchen.com

Courtesy of vastudc.com

Courtesy of Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism

Above: As the plastics industry advanced, industrial materials
found their way into MCM interior design. Most recognizable is
the molded plastic chair designed by Ray and Charles Eames for
the Hermann Miller Furniture Company. Originally produced
of molded fiberglass in 1950, modern versions of the iconic curvy
seat are now made of polypropylene. The duo’s plywood and
leather lounge chair and ottoman, however, were not designed with
“Everyman” in mind. They made the lounge chair and ottoman
as a gift for their friend Billy Wilder, the director of “Some Like
It Hot” and “Sunset Blvd.”
Right: Designed by E. Stewart Williams in 1947 for Frank
Sinatra and his first wife, Nancy Barbato, the Twin Palms Estate
boasts both mid-century style luxury and historical significance
with modern amenities. It features exquisite period furnishings
and infamous piano-shaped swimming pool.
Your Home Magazine | 15

Courtesy of eichlerhomes.com

Courtesy of homedesignsz.info

16 | Your Home Magazine

Courtesy of Robert Gregson

Above: John Johansen’s Warner House (1957) in New Canaan,
Connecticut, has a symmetrical layout. Vaulted gold-leaf ceilings,
terrazzo floors and ebonized-wood cabinets help show that
Modernism, which had its roots in industrial efficiency, can also be
luxurious. The house has an H-shaped plan with the Rippowam
River running under the glassed-in central portion of the building.

Courtesy of architectslist.com

Right Middle: The cedar clad walls and ceilings on this MCM
extend to the exterior, a touchstone for MCM design. Generous
roof eaves offer sun, wind and rain protection to the triple sliding
glass doors and the clerestory windows above.
Right Below: Metal privacy screens and multi-level rooms present
the illusion of a separate space, yet there is a free flow of air and
light between the living and dining rooms of this MCM home.
Opposite Above: The owners of this 1950’s MCM home in
the Rose Glen community of San Jose, California have steeped
themselves in MCM décor to compliment their homes design. Clean
lined furnishings and streamlined accessories allow the focus of the
room to be on the space and light created by the tongue-and-groove
paneled cathedral ceiling and floor to ceiling windows.

Courtesy of b-metro.com

Opposite Below: Function was as important as form in original
MCM design, with an emphasis placed specifically on targeting the
needs of the average American family. Clean lines and natural
hues in wood furnishings echo the MCM design philosophy of
simplicity and efficiency.
Written by Ginny Cooper
Your Home Magazine | 17

Courtesy of Perla Lichi

Think Pink

F

rom the palest wash of peony to vibrant shocks of
fuchsia, pink is everywhere in fashion this spring. So it was
no surprise when splashes of pink made their way into
home décor. “Interior design is always in sync with what’s big
in fashion, and pink is very popular with designers this season,”
explained international designer Perla Lichi.
But far removed from the delicious cotton candy pink of a
feminine bedroom or the whisper-soft shell pink of an elegant
dining room is bright and brilliant hot pink. How do you
decorate with this energetic hue?

18 | Your Home Magazine

Decorating with hot pink calls for a bold and confident
personality. “Hot pink is a great color – fun, fresh, bold, and
with the right touch, it can brighten any home,” said Ms. Lichi.
Interior designer Holly Dennis of SHS Design in Sarasota,
Florida used just the right touch for a client who was inspired to
recreate a Spanish-themed bedroom. Feeling that the traditional
Above: Pink figures prominently in this composition from Perla Lichi. The
coral upholstered wing chair and hot pink bench provide smooth backdrops
for the fringed pillows, textured throws and shag rug.

colors of Spanish décor were too dark for coastal Florida,
Ms. Dennis found a colorful Suzani fabric with bold hot pink
in the pattern.
“Working with the Suzani fabric as my focal fabric, I chose a
complementary bright green fabric to be the main fabric of the
headboard and added a punch of pink in the contrasting welt.
The colors mingle beautifully together,” explained Ms. Dennis.

find cheerful and upbeat.” This is why she included “The
Happy Palace” as a major chapter in her new coffee table book
Palaces of the World. This featured home is awash with pink
and other bright jewel tone hues in carpets, upholstery, art and
accessories.
“I always encourage people to be adventurous with color and
colorful accessories are a perfect way to do this,” said Ms. Lichi.
With that encouragement in mind, are you ready to think pink?

“This may not be for everyone,” cautions Ms. Lichi. “But vivid
colors like hot pink create a happy ambiance that many people

Holly Dennis commissioned this headboard of
pink and green to complement the
Suzani fabric in the pillows.

Available as a single drawer
nightstand or this 2-drawer chest,
Laura Ashley’s “Ariel Rose”
collection is pale pink perfection
accented with chocolate brown
legs and trim.

Courtesy of Perla Lichi

Courtesy of Laura Ashley

Courtesy of SHS Design

Courtesy of Laura Ashley

This shell pink wing chair from
Laura Ashley is pure elegance.

Dark brown cabinets
and neutral colored
surfaces are a steadying
influence on the jewel
tone sculpted rug and
hot pink accessories
in this kitchen.

What can you do with pink?

•
•
•
•

Use softer shades of pink as a neutral; it works well with black, purple, green, blue and other saturated hues
Pair it with a metallic for sophisticated elegance
Cast a flattering, rosy glow with pink lampshades, glass lanterns or even pink light bulbs
Snuggle up with mid-tone pinks in soft fabric throws or bed linens

eautiful floral arrangements are the perfect final touch to any decorating project. We’ve asked renown floral designer Saundra
Riccardelli of Sweetgrass Designs to assemble a special collection of “Forever” arrangements for our readers. Each is hand-crafted
under Ms. Riccardelli’s watchful eye, using the finest, most realistic florals available. Each is perfect for today’s more transitional
design. No two are alike, so you can truly have an original creation comparable in cost to production arrangements with far less detailed
florals. Your selections will arrive in about four weeks. Simply go to www.YHMarketplace.com to order.

20 | Your Home Magazine

Cymbidium Orchid Waterlook in Cylinder Glass

Cymbidium Orchid Waterlook in Cylinder Glass

Available in Winter White or Plum (opposite)
$81.00
Order at www.YHMarketplace.com

Magnolia Waterlook in Glass Cube
Available in White or Blushing Pink.
$47.00
Order at www.YHMarketplace.com

Available exclusively at
www.YHMarketplace.com
Your Home Magazine | 23

A Sublime Art
Artisan Showcase - Kevin DesPlanques

Bench:
DesPlanques sculpts benches, tables and stationary
chairs as well as rockers. This bench was crafted
from Mahogany and Birch.

K

evin DesPlanques could have easily called his sculptured
furniture business “Majestic Rockers,” “Superb Rockers,”
“Wonderful Rockers,” “Marvelous Rockers,” “Splendid
Rockers,” or any number of similarly descriptive names.
However, he chose “Sublime Rockers” and it is easy to see
why. The word means “of such excellence, grandeur or beauty
as to inspire great admiration or awe.” Very appropriate for
carefully crafted handmade wooden rockers, chairs, bar stools
and benches that command up to $20,000 a piece.
Beginning with hand-drawn sketches, DesPlanques uses a laborintensive process called “stack lamination” that fuses multiple
layers of wood together. It yields an incredibly strong, solid,
stable piece, particularly when using highly figured woods. The
process allows DesPlanques to create unique shapes he would
not otherwise be able to obtain.
24 | Your Home Magazine

DesPlanques then sculpts the wood into furniture, including
custom chairs. Some of his larger pieces take up to two weeks
to complete. “As a sculptor, I will shape (the piece) to fit the
person perfectly,” he said. “I want to make sure it fits in all
the right places.” His hand-sculpted furniture is perhaps some
of the most comfortable and ergonomically correct furniture
available.
DesPlanques has been working with wood for more than 30
years. He taught Industrial Arts at the secondary and college
levels for 13 years and then, in 2000, left his teaching career to
focus on his craft. Influenced by furniture sculptor James Cole,
DesPlanques is inspired to bring out the beauty of both the
unique and common woods he works with. Says DesPlanques,
“I believe that my chairs re-define the term functional art.”

Dark Roast Rocker:
Made from African Wenge, the Dark
Roast Rocker gleams with the woodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
naturally low luster. Wenge is a very
dense medium textured dark hardwood
from Central West Africa.

Symphony Rocker:
The Symphony Rocker is a harmonious
blend of six different woods: Bubinga,
Wenge, Maple, Ebony, Birch, and
Leopardwood.

Bird of Prey:
African Rosewood combined with
light-colored Maple, Wenge and dark
Ebony, sculpted with talon-like points
on the seat and back, soars with the
illusion of flight. Ebony is a dense
black wood, most commonly yielded
by several different species found in
southern India, western Africa and
Indonesia.

Resurrection:
In a departure from his signature sculpted
wood furniture, DesPlanques has created
what is quite possibly the only cast
bronze rocker in the world. He crafted it
using the lost wax method, the process by
which a duplicate metal sculpture is cast
from an original sculpture.

Maserati Rocker:
Much like its namesake vehicle, bold
stripes of Bubinga, Maple, Ebony, and
Leopardwood race down the curves of
this sleek rocker.

For more information visit:
www.sublimerockers.com.
Written by Ginny Cooper
Your Home Magazine | 25

QUESTION: I am trying to get organized but it does not come naturally. Do you have any
suggestions on how to get my house in order?
ANSWER: We all need better organization, don’t we? The best thing to do is to actually get started
because we tend to think about getting the house in order but that is as far as we go. Consider a 30-day
plan. Every day of the month, do one small thing, leaving the larger things for weekends when you
have a little more time. Take that junk drawer and clean it out one day. Go through just one hanging
rack in your closet and get rid of things you do not use. Take another day to do another rack. If you
break it down to “bite size pieces” you will get through it all before you know it. In addition, you will
feel good about what you have accomplished. “Look in this drawer…doesn’t it look neat, clean and
organized?” There are also companies that specialize in getting organized. You might want to check
their websites. If you search for “Peter Walsh organizing tips”, you will find a lot of information on
how to get organized. His ideas take less than 10 minutes to complete.
QUESTION: Can I mix traditional with contemporary in my furnishings?
ANSWER: Absolutely. Actually a good mixture makes for an eye popping look. The suggested
ratio is 80 to 20. In other words, 80% of contemporary with 20% traditional works nicely. You
can have a living room with contemporary furniture, and then place a traditional area rug under
it all. Alternatively, in the dining room the table and chairs can be traditional with the buffet table
being contemporary. It works in reverse just as well. However, do not get sloppy. Be sure that
most of the furnishings are of one style with just an eye-popper of a different style.
QUESTION: Do you recommend towel heaters?
ANSWER: Oh, yes! Coming out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a nice warm towel is
heaven. Towel heaters are affordable and they take up hardly any room in the bathroom. You can
find them as wall-mounted or freestanding racks. Or you can choose a countertop or freestanding
container.

Courtesy of panammkt.com

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann is a licensed interior
designer and a professional member of the
American Society of Interior Designers
(ASID) who has been published in Barron’s
Who’s Who in Interior Design, and has been
featured as a weekly columnist in the Naples
Daily News since 1998. Her column appears in
more than 200 newspapers across the country.
Your Home Magazine | 27

prilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s showers bring May flowers but they also bring
on sneezing, runny noses and watery eyes for some
of the 50 million Americans with allergies. The spring
allergy season begins in some regions of the country as early
as February and can last into the summer months. Medications
can help relieve allergy symptoms, but removing irritants from
your home is a much more effective way to stop them. Here are
a few steps you can take toward a healthier home:
28 | Your Home Magazine

Some allergy-proofing steps are most beneficial when applied
to the whole house, such as replacing carpeting with hardwood,
tile or other impervious flooring. Allergens accumulate in carpet
and walking across it re-releases them into the air.
If that is not an option, use low-pile instead of high-pile
carpeting and vacuum weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a
washable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Shampoo

the carpet frequently. Placing a doormat on both sides of entry
doors can help trap outdoor irritants.
Consider replacing upholstered furniture with furniture
made of leather, wood, metal or plastic.
Courtesy of Brandpoint

Blinds or shades trap fewer allergens than fabric window
treatments. If you insist on curtains, opt for the machinewashable kind. Remove dust by vacuuming once a week with
a brush attachment, and wash them frequently during months
when you keep the windows open.
If mold is your problem…
Make sure that your kitchen stove and bathroom vents do
exactly that – vent air to the outside of your home, not merely
into your attic where mold can grow and eventually spread to
the rest of your house.

Spread aquarium gravel over the dirt in your potted plants
to help contain mold.

Be vigilant in every area of your home where moisture
accumulates – kitchen, bath, and laundry room.

Dust off these mites…
If you are allergic to dust mites, encase pillows, mattresses
and box springs in dust-mite-proof covers and wash sheets,
pillowcases and blankets at least once a week in water heated to
at least 130 F (54 C).

High humidity can lead to mold growth and other problems;
a hygrometer will give you an idea of your home’s moisture
levels. You can pick up one at your hardware store and take a
measurement in each room. If you get readings of above 60
percent in any room or area, consider getting a dehumidifier.

Pets are dandy; pet dander is not…
Bathing pets at least twice a week may reduce the amount of
allergen in the dander they shed. As much as you may miss
Kitty curling up on your pillow at night, keep pets out of the
bedroom if pet dander is one of your allergy triggers.

Courtesy of The Contrabass Shoppe

Courtesy of www.bravob.com

Written by Ginny Cooper
Your Home Magazine | 29

recipes
From Chef John Moeller

From his book, Dining At The White House: From the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Table to Yours, Chef John Moeller,
spent 13 years at his post serving Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.
Here is the first of a two part series on dishes he has set before such dignitaries as
Tony Blair and Nelson Mandela.

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Combine parsley, chives, tarragon, and chervil in shallow
bowl. Place flour in separate small bowl, and stir in salt
and pepper. Dredge skin side only of chicken breast in
flour, and shake off excess. Dip floured side of chicken
in egg white, and shake off excess. Place chicken breast
on plate, floured-and-egg side up. Evenly sprinkle
chicken with fine herb mixture.

In small saucepot over medium-high heat, combine wine,
shallots, peppercorns, and bay leaves, and bring to simmer for
10 to 12 minutes, or until reduced by 90%. Add the cream,
and continue to simmer for 5 minutes, or until reduced by
50%. Reduce heat to medium low, and whisk in the butter, 1
tablespoon at a time. Stir in lemon juice, and season with salt
and pepper. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into another
small saucepot, and keep warm over low heat. Do not boil
(the sauce will separate).

Heat medium sauté pan over medium-high heat, and add
clarified butter. In batches, place chicken herb-side down
in pan, and gently sauté 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer
to sheet pan herb-side up, and finish in oven for 8 to
10 minutes. Remove from the oven, and let it rest for 5
minutes.

Your Home Magazine | 31

10 Things Buyers Are
Looking For In A Home
• Convenience to job – Homes that are close to work enhance
work-life balance, a growing priority for many Americans.
• Overall affordability of homes – With job markets tight and
retirement funds depleted, it has never been more important
to keep housing related costs as low as possible, ideally no
more than one third of your pre-tax income.
• Quality of schools – A recent survey by realtor.com revealed
that nearly 45 percent of today’s buyers are willing to pay a
premium for quality schools.
• Homes suited for the next 15 years – Just five years ago,
buyers were looking to stay in their home about 10 years.
Today, buyers expect to stay closer to 15, so it is important to
find a home that can support lifestyles as they evolve.
Photo Courtesy of Florida Lifestyle Homes of Fort Myers

W

hen selling your home, it pays to consider what today’s
buyers are looking for. Industry sources provide this
list of 10 things that are important to homebuyers
today, especially Millennials, who represent a significant buyer
niche in today’s market.

• Quality of the neighborhood – The National Association
of Realtor’s 2012 Profile of Buyers and Sellers revealed that
neighborhoods are important to buyers, but that neighborhood
choice varies by household composition.
32 | Your Home Magazine

• A mortgage – In today’s tight credit environment, getting
a mortgage can be a challenge. Buyers should be willing to
consider homes below what they may quality for in order to
bump up the loan to value ratio.
• Energy efficiency – The National Association of Homebuilders
surveyed buyers to see what was most important to them in
new home construction and energy efficiency topped the list.
Four of the top most wanted features involve saving energy:
94 percent of homebuyers want energy-star rated appliances,
91 percent want an energy-star rating for the whole home, 89
percent want energy-star rated windows, and 88 percent want
ceiling fans.
• Open floor plans – Spaces that are great for entertaining
mean quality time with friends and family.
• High ceilings – Taller ceilings are not only aesthetically
pleasing they also promote greater air circulation and more
natural light than lower ceilings.
• Technology – Can you run your home from a cell phone?
Then market to a Millennial, who prizes a home’s technological
amenities prized over curb appeal.
Written by Ginny Cooper

The fragrances in the Purify & Empower Collection are
meant to be used together to dispel negative energy and
create positivity and abundance. Much in the way that
some use sage to cleanse a space, the line combines
wild sage and cedar for a rejuvenating and cleansing
sensation that purifies and removes negative energy
and the essential oils of basil and mandarin are meant
to create positive energy to help you manifest your
dreams. Candles are $70, Mists are $50. Available at
www.Barneys.com

Designer Litter Boxes
Cats are family members in millions of homes and everyone
knows about the dirty, not-so-secret dilemma of the litter box.
Cat owners with taste and style choose the Kitty A GoGo
to remove an ugly eyesore from their home and give their
cat a beautiful place to Kitty A GoGo. Even cats can take
pride in their special space with litter boxes that are offered
in 6 designs: Gray Metallic, Polka Dots, Leopard Print, Black,
Flower Print, and Burl Wood (shown here). Cat owners in
condos, offices and home studios will particularly appreciate
this litter box as an attractive, yet space saving addition to
their décor. No more need to decorate their home with a box
of clumps, but with a beautiful litter box. $99.99.
Available at www.KittyAGoGo.com.

KRUPS XP5620 Precise Tamp
Espresso Machine
Softsoap’s Décor Collection
Softsoap’s new Décor Collection Liquid Hand
Soap is a delightful addition to your kitchen or
bath. Get inspired by the new premium liquid
hand soap line with the enticing scents of Peony
& Plum (pictured), Orchid Petals & Mint Water,
and Wild Basil & Lime in a package you’d be
proud to display on every sink in your home.
Softsoap is a simple and beautiful way to dress up
any sink in your home. Priced at $2.49. Available
at Target, Walmart and Rite Aid stores.

For the espresso lover: Introducing the brand new KRUPS
XP5620 Precise Tamp Espresso Machine, the perfect
machine for making coffeehouse-quality espressos at
home. The patented system provides consistent and
even tamping—one of the most difficult gestures to
master, but necessary in order to extract the perfect cup
of espresso. The XP5620 features a 15 bar pump and
lightweight powerful “Thermo Block System” for faster
preheating and optimal temperature regulation. The
unit also includes a universal filter holder compatible
with ground coffee (1 or 2 cups) and all types of pods
and multi-directional frothing nozzle to create delicious
cappuccinos and lattes. The system is available in several
colors. Priced at $200 at www.Williams-Sonoma.com.

Hypoallergenic Placemat
The Coastal Mix placemat, one of the designs in the ecochic Island Picnic Collection of tabletop accents, was
inspired by the trending green movement. Perfect for anyone
with allergies, the elegant and playful quilt work is great
for those looking to incorporate sustainable and beautiful
textiles into their homes. Island Picnic products are made
from 100% organic cotton fabrics and batting and are safe
for people with mild to severe food allergies, as they are
completely free of pesticides, chemicals, toxins, BPA, lead,
vinyl, PVC, phthalates and plastics. The Coastal Mix placemat
retails for $60 and is available at www.IslandPicnic.com.

Your Home Magazine | 33

Photo courtesy of James Cassimus

Lolita Powder Coated Chandelier
Shine by SHO specializes in one of the most fashion forward lifestyle
lines in the interior design industry. Founder, owner and designer for
Shine by SHO Susan Hornbeak Ortiz applies a global-eclectic design
sense combined with her background as a sculptor and installation artist
to produce breathtaking pieces that emphasize clean and modern lines,
and the occasional unexpected detail, but with a classic and timeless feel.
Shown here is the Lolita Powder Coated Chandelier in Turquoise (available
in different colors and metal finishes also) this piece of the Shine by SHO
collection will surely ignite your senses and encourage you to explore the
many lifestyles of modern home décor. 28” diameter x 11” high. 8 Lights
60 watts each. Priced at $3,600. Available at www.ShineBySHO.com.

Wolfgang Puck Pressure Oven
The new Wolfgang Puck Pressure Oven will revolutionize the way you prepare healthier home
meals. Following two and one-half years of research and development, legendary celebrity chef and
restaurateur Wolfgang Puck has introduced the first countertop pressure oven that toasts, roasts,
bakes, broils, re-heats, and rotisseries up to 70% faster than a traditional oven while infusing flavor
and moisture for the most delicious food you’ve ever tasted. The Wolfgang Puck Pressure Oven
is an energy-efficient, electric appliance that combines the speed and flavor enhancing ability of a
pressure cooker with the ease of use and versatility of an oven. Meats stay crispy on the outside,
moist and juicy on the inside, baked goods rise beautifully, vegetables roast tender, crisp and packed
with flavor. A single solution, the Puck Oven can replace the microwave, pressure cooker, toaster
and convection oven. Using Flavor Infusion Technology, the oven’s perfectly sized chamber seals
to lock in heat and moisture under low-pressure, cooking evenly up to 70% faster, while infusing
juices and concentrating flavor deep into food. Priced at $299.95. Available at www.PuckOven.com.

Twittering Tree Vase
In creating The Twittering Tree Vase,
Rookwood Pottery’s Dan Dutton cast
together 130 years of artistic tradition
with a mixture of contemporary design
and innovative techniques. Both are a
hallmark of today’s Rookwood Pottery
Co., among the most venerated names in
America-made pottery. Part of a limited
edition of 20, this bold hand-painted
vase required the installation of a crane
to produce. The Twittering Tree Vase
stands approximately 23” tall and is
priced at $7,500. Available at:
www.RookWood.com

34 | Your Home Magazine

Oyster Bowl
French Sofa
To keep the Sarasota-based Mission Avenue Studio at the leading edge of the home
furnishings market, owner Bernabe Somoza uses top current designer fabric lines including
Jonathan Adler for Kravet and Martyn Lawrence Bullard for Schumacher to give the pieces
new life. This yellow French sofa is an elegant antique Provençal style settee with an ornately
carved wood frame. Settee dimensions: L58”, W34”, H30”. Weight 90lbs. Nationwide
shipment is available. Priced at $1,566. Visit www.MissionAveStudio.com.

The Ocean Oyster Bowl is the perfect serving
piece for chips and dips and, naturally,
seafood. The Beatriz Ball Collection is a
whole line of handmade tableware, all with
innovative designs. All of the pieces in the
collection are made of eco-friendly, FDAapproved 100% recycled aluminum. They are
easy to care for and never tarnish. Size: 15” x
9 ½” x 2 ½”. Priced at $89.
Available at www.BeatrizBall.com.

jo-ann zakielarz
239 404.1835
Considering Selling?

The Market Is Hot!
I Have Cash Buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Waiting

Visit:
www.JazzSellsNaples.com

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your Real Estate Experience
Call a Proven Professional:

Jo-Ann Zakielarz
239 404.1835
As your neighbor on Gulf Shore Blvd.
I have a vested interest in working to sell
your home for the highest possible price
in today’s market.

Log onto www.JazzSellsNaples.com and click on Park Shore for
the lasted information on what is for sale and what has sold in our area.